A school has celebrated at the launch a solar energy project – which could save more than £150,000 over 20 years.

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert visited Downlands Community School in Hassocks on March 20 at the launch of their solar panel project.

I hope that other local schools and community buildings will be able to benefit from solar panels in this way.

Nick Herbert

The installation of 307 solar panels on the roof was made possible through the school’s partnership with HKD Energy, a non-profit social enterprise which invites community investment.

The new panels will provide the school with an expected 80,000 kiolwatt hours of electricity each year.

Nick Herbert said: “I hope that other local schools and community buildings will be able to benefit from solar panels in this way. This incredibly positive project shows how the potential of solar energy can be realised as well as the power of community schemes which harness local support.”

Mr Herbert described the project as a ‘win-win’ situation: “A win for the school through savings made on their electricity bills as well as providing the children with an opportunity to learn about renewable energy, a win for the investors who will see returns on their outlay, and a win for the environment, with reduced dependency on fossil fuels.”